We had the good fortune of connecting with Lisa A. Cervantes Esq Llm and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lisa A., we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I come from a long line of entrepreneurs . . . all of my family members have had their own businesses . . . and all of us appreciate the freedom, the autonomy, the leadership inherent in this type of workplace. In my immediate family, we were never too far removed from the pioneer stories of our great-grandparents, who had farms in what’s now suburban Los Angeles! My great-grandfather’s semi-retirement was owning the corner store/motel in Kernville.

When I went to law school, I had already been working as a secretary and paralegal for 12 years. I had a love for real estate and thought that’s where I’d land (no pun intended). My other great loves are music, dance and fashion, and I was always out and about at shows. I visited the stunning studio of a concerto producer in Rome in 1998, who told me I should practice entertainment law. In 1999, after passing the bar, I printed cards stating “entertainment law” as a specialty and 25 years later, I am happy I did!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
One of the challenges of owning your own practice is that you do have to wear many hats, either interchangeably or often at the same time. Being flexible with what I’m willing to learn and do for my clients allows me to provide a wide range of services for them, i.e. entertainment, branding, intellectual property protection and even estate planning.

Many of my clients have been with me 20+ years out of 25 due to my ability to learn something new in order to serve as their attorney. This is balanced well with knowing my limitations though, so sometimes we have to hire or partner with other experts to accomplish the goal(s).

Even though I love transactional work, there are times I am willing to do litigation work for my clients. Litigation is difficult and stressful, but boosts knowledge in that particular area of the law which ultimately impacts the transactional side positively.

The focus at my firm is mostly on copyrights, trademarks, business start-ups and contracts. Naturally, there are myriads of contracts in music including artists, producers, musicians, publishing, licensing, managers, indie labels, venues, magazines, advertising, designers (web, fashion, graphics). Television and film have literally thousands of variations and exciting challenges – such as the way to pitch ideas and protect them all at once.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Southern California has so much to offer, both in exciting artistry as well as nature. We’d start with a trip to Shutters in Santa Monica for breakfast, then skip to Main Street Farmer’s Market, to get that Westside vibe (always like outfit scoping here!). A bike ride on the boardwalk to Hermosa/Manhattan Beach would be next, with sushi for lunch at Roku. Next day, we’ll cruise PCH toward Malibu and visit the Lake Shrine on Sunset for a spiritual moment and mandatory stop in the crystal room / gift shop. Once in Malibu, we’ll walk the pier and cruise the stars’ homes on the north side. On the way back, Topanga Canyon. Another day, we’ll do the Getty on PCH and/or off the 405. The Hollywood Bowl for a concert is on the list, complete with our Trader Joe’s cheese, wine and snacks. If one of my clients are playing, we’ll be at that club, in the front row with our complimentary everything. A trip to San Diego will be in the mix, with Balboa Park (lots on tap in the museums), Coronado Island (probably more beach walking & biking here), and La Jolla beach and village tour included. Mission Bay for biking, and lunch or dinner at Mr. A’s Rooftop. Encinitas is a fun stop for more Self-Realization and views at Swami’s beach, plus best ever gelato at Gelato 101. Seaport Village if we’re feeling touristy, but probably skip that in favor of a whale-watching tour out of SD Bay or Oceanside. On the way back up, PCH for a nice tour of Laguna Beach and a drink stop along the way. As Californians know, there are always bands, art, fashion and amazing flavors to try every time you venture out. My friend will need a major rest from this vacation!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My story is dedicated to the amazing artists I am honored to represent, as well as the incredible artisans and artistry in the whole world and universe. There is no greater joy than having the calling to help artists bring their talent, vision and beauty to the forefront but also to help them be recognized, protected and properly rewarded. Artists must be free to create so launching and nurturing their businesses is my absolute pleasure. I often say, without the creative clients, I could not do the work that I love and cherish so fully.

Website: https://www.iplegalstudio.com

Instagram: @lovesmusic777

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iplegalstudio/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaLisa777

Other: @lovesmusic777.bsky.social

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